Asarum europaeum aka Asarabacca

Taxonomy

Asarum europaeum, also known as asarabacca, European wild ginger, hazelwort, and wild spikenard, is a species of flowering plant in the birthwort family Aristolochiaceae. It is native to large parts of temperate Europe and is also cultivated in gardens. This slowly spreading ground cover is primarily grown for its glossy, leathery, heart-shaped, dark green leaves which remain evergreen in mild winters. Small, bell-shaped flowers bloom in late spring to early summer but are usually unnoticed since covered by the dense foliage. Despite its ginger aroma, it is not closely related to the culinary ginger Zingiber officinale. In former days, it was used in snuff and also medicinally as an emetic and cathartic. It is sometimes harvested for use as a spice or a flavoring. Asarum europaeum is a super rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. This plant likes soil that is well-draining, and it shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. As a member of the Asarum genus, it is native to Central and Western Asia and Europe. Among the best foliage plants for shade, this plant is a beautiful addition to any garden or home.

Common names

Asarabacca, European Ginger, Wild Ginger

How to care for Asarabacca

Difficulty

Asarabacca presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Asarabacca should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Asarabacca loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Asarabacca prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Asarabacca to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Asarabacca is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Asarabacca’s native range is Central and southern Europe, east to W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia